[73oldsman]

My wife brought home a 99 Ford Explorer about a month ago. Sport model, 4.0 engine. Not a bad looking vehicle overall.
Of course I went to change oil filter, fuel filter, oil etc. I went to get the fuel filter off, after buying replacement and tool to do so. Of course, now I can't get the filter off the vehicle. I have inserted tool many times over, pulled, turned, twisted, and talked to myself many times over and the blasted thing will not come off. I know there is a locking clip in the line at the filter that has to be released with the tool, but I just can't seem to get the thing off! Any one have any suggestions on this one?

[dmorris1200]

Ford's filters are very touchy. The tool must be fully inserted just right before you pull on the filter. There is a ring in the fitting on the fuel line with retainer clips that like to twist and bend easily. They make metal disconnect tools that work best but cost more. Here is a link to what the metal tools look like, page 2 - FTLD4 part #,tools . If you damaged the clips in the line you will need to forcefully remove the filter and then some of the times you can remove the metal retainer ring from the fuel line fitting and replace it (some Ford dealerships stock them) or you may need to replace the whole line.

[73oldsman]

Thanks DMorris 1200 for the reply. I'll get back to you when I get this sorted out. Thanks for the ideas and info!

[73oldsman]

Well, I finally got the filter off the Explorer. The tools I purchased just wouldn't release the internal line clips. I finally got them to release by cutting the filter body off the lines and picking the clips loose with an old game chicken fighting spur I picked up from a friend a while back. It's a long snap-on metal spur I hear they use in rooster fighting. It did the job! Too bad the dirty filter wasn't the problem with the SUV. Oh well, on to the next Ford challenge. Thanks!